Brown tumor of the jaws as a manifestation of tertiary hyperparathyroidism: A literature review and case report

Abstract

Brown tumor of the jaws is a manifestation of hyperparathyroidism consisting of osteolytic lesions that show proliferation of multinucleated giant cells in the maxilla and/or mandible. Differential diagnosis of these lesions from local central giant-cell granuloma is mandatory for the correct treatment of the patient. Radiographic and histopathological exams of the jaw lesion are not sufficient to determine the diagnosis, which requires laboratory tests including serum levels of calcium, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and phosphate, and radiographic examination of other bones as well, such as hand-wrist, pelvis, and femur. We present here a brief literature review focusing on the clinical and radiographic features, diagnostic criteria and treatment of brown tumor and also report a case of the disease affecting the jaw.

Keywords: brown tumor; central giant-cell granuloma; hyperparathyroidism.